While I no longer have time to actively participate on the message board, I think of you all literally daily. As Veterans' Day approaches, my thoughts of each of you are more frequent. I'm so grateful for all that you have done for our country. We can never repay you for your sacrifices.

I also want to share some news. Our nephew, Staff Sergeant Thomas "TJ" Dudley was killed in action on July 7, 2011, while serving as a United States Marine in Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom. He was on his 6th deployment and was scheduled to come home two weeks from the time he was killed. He leaves behind a wife, and 3 children. While our family is heartbroken, especially for Mary and the children, we are uplifted by the outpouring of support for our fallen Marine. As most of our fallen heroes are, he was an amazing young man. He was a volunteer fire fighter. He was an absolutely wonderful husband and father. You all would have liked TJ. He was your kind of guy.

Here is a link of a short video that one of his daughter's friends made. Please overlook her misspellings. I thought you would be heartened by a 13 year old's perspective and gratefulness, plus it shows some pictures of the wonderful man TJ was. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LjvL9B43BY&list=PLAE1CB65323B33F9E&index=13&feature=plpp_video

Another video I'd like to share shows images of TJ's homecoming from Dover Air Force Base, funeral, and burial. The outpouring of support was amazing. One of our other nephews made this video which will explain the music. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKzVbBgVDwQ&feature=BFa&list=PLAE1CB65323B33F9E&lf=plpp_video I think your heart will be warmed knowing that love of country and support of our troops are alive and well among so many as you will see in the video.

For our family...for so many families...this Veterans' Day is more important than ever.

Please know how deeply grateful I am for each of you...for your service to our country, and, Ron, for your keeping this historical web site going. I honestly don't have the words to express my gratitude or my affection for each of you.

May God bless you and keep you always.

Love,
Melinda